Highlife legend Rex Omar has disclosed that a lack of support from the church forced him to abandon gospel music and ultimately walk away from church life over four decades ago.
In an interview on Joy Prime, Rex Omar, born Rex Owusu Marfo, said he was once a committed church member and gospel musician who released three gospel albums while actively serving in church. He regularly sang during Sunday services and considered his music a form of ministry.
However, his relationship with the church changed after his request for financial assistance to record music was declined by the church board. The musician said the decision left him questioning the church’s priorities, particularly the disparity between how pastors and musicians were treated.
Feeling sidelined, Rex Omar said he chose to seek opportunities outside the church, resolving not to invest any income earned into gospel music if the church could not support his talent.
Reflecting on his decision, the musician stated that leaving the church did not distance him from God. Instead, he believes his spiritual understanding has deepened, even though he has not returned to church in 40 years.
Rex Omar said he harbors no bitterness and remains grateful for the path his life took, adding that his transition to highlife music played a major role in building his legacy in Ghana’s music industry.
